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When General Motors Corporation (GMC) launched its first Yukon in 1991, it was a two-door SUV available in two trims, the SL and SLE. The 2021 model is the first of the fifth-generation GMC Yukon, now available in four trim levels. These trims are the new AT4, the long-established Denali, the SLT, and the standard SL edition.
Heralded by GMC as the next-generation GMC Yukon, it clearly offers more than the fourth-generation SUVs. But complaints to the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have more than quadrupled since 2020, from 4 to 18.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018 2020 2022
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 GMC Yukon
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Air Bags | |
| Power Train | |
| Electrical System | |
| Steering | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Suspension |
A common issue for the vehicle is a engine lifter problem that can result in total engine failure of the SUV. Additionally, there have already been 9 recalls because of major problems with this model. But none relate to engine issues or engine failure.
Most Common Problems with the 2021 GMC Yukon
Here we are looking at formal complaints made to NHTSA. There are many more complaints that owners simply don’t bother to put in writing to any official body. While there are only 3 engine-related NHTSA complaints, there are many less formal complaints on social media and on various Yukon forums.
The figures here only include formal written complaints to NHTSA complaints. In addition to the 3 engine-related complaints, there are 4 each that relate to airbags, the electrical system, and service brakes. However, all the electrical system complaints relate to brake system failure. All but 1 are included in both categories. So, in effect, there are 5 complaints about service brakes.
Other problem areas include the powertrain, steering, seats, suspension, tires, visibility/wiper, and unknown or other.
Just 1 complaint is listed as unknown or other. This relates to water from the air-conditioning system not draining properly. It collects under the carpet on the driver’s side and develops potentially harmful mold and bacteria. The complainant says, “After researching various Internet forums, this seems to be a common issue in 2021 Yukon and Tahoes.”
2021 GMC Yukon Airbag Problems
The airbags in the 2021 Yukon seem to be a big problem. In addition to driver complaints and a recall, there is an open NHTSA investigation into airbag malfunction. This was launched in April 2021 after numerous complaints to NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation. Some allege illumination of the airbag malfunction indicator. Others involve crash incidents that show significant frontal collision damage where driver frontal airbags failed to deploy.
The recall, which potentially affects 285,622 vehicles, is because the airbag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn drivers of airbag problems. This may increase the risk of injury.
One of the complaints, made in July 2021, is from a Yukon owner whose car had already been repaired under the recall. But the issue has subsequently recurred multiple times. So, in this case, the recall fix was useless.
Two of the complaints report accidents with injuries. In the first accident, the airbags failed to deploy when a car crashed into the Yukon, which was stationary. The driver was injured.
In the second accident, the side airbags deployed but not the others. Four people were injured and a police report was filed.
2021 GMC Yukon Electrical System & Brake Problems
As mentioned above, a total of 5 complaints deal with brake-related issues. Three of these are also listed as having electrical system problems. The problem seems to lie in the Brake Assist control system.
One of the complaints describes how, after the dealership downloaded a new software package from GMC to solve the problem, it recurred. Because they were unable to duplicate the problem, the car was returned to the owner without resolution.
Other complainants say they are now too nervous to drive their SUVs now.
2021 GMC Yukon Engine Problems
Two of the problems categorized as being engine-related involve the lifters. This number is clearly not indicative of the problem.
One of the complaints reveals that the dealership responsible for repairing the faulty product says it will take at least 2 months to fix. The owner was told that the dealership was receiving 2-3 lifters delivered daily. This is to replace faulty lifters. A 2-month repair delay implies that a large number of vehicles are currently being repaired by this dealership alone. How many repair shops are dealing with the same problem, on the same scale?
What to do if your 2021 GMC Yukon is a Lemon? Your Lemon Rights
If a vehicle has a persistent defect that impacts substantially on its use, safety, and value, it may be defined as a lemon. And if it is, you have the right to demand some kind of recompense. Many of our clients opt for buy-back deals or a cash settlement. Others prefer the option of a replacement vehicle.
If you think you’ve bought a lemon, you don’t have to live with it. Give Lemberg Law a call and our lemon law team will evaluate your case to see how we can help you get fair compensation. It’s not going to cost you anything, because the law says the car manufacturer must pay any legal bills.
Complaint Data
| Category | Engine, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Mar 20, 2023 |
| State | SC |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 gmc yukon. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic signal, the engine started revving without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally independently accelerated. The contact state that the failure also occurred while the vehicle was in park(p). The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000. |
| Category | Exterior Lighting |
| Date | Mar 15, 2023 |
| State | WI |
| Description | 2021 gmc yukon headlight condensation with no accidents or exterior factors. Fills up with water and causes light bulbs burnout and safety issues. Reports driver's side headlight to dealer's service department. Day light went out followed by headlight and signal. Now passenger side is also developing condensations. Called gmc, and dealer. No solution or explanation of why this happens to a year old car. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 14, 2023 |
| State | MI |
| Description | Roof leak on 2021 yukon w/ moonroof. Happened during an intense ice/rain storm while vehicle was parked on an incline with the front end up and rear end down. Water poured in through all 3 rows, including the headliner, dome lighting, front dash electronic panel on psg side, and lastly the trunk. Dealer inspected the issue 4 days later, in which they water tested the vehicle with a garden hose indoors in a garage bay when temperatures are above 65 degrees, and on a flat floor. They stated they could not replicate the issue, which of course they couldnt because the dealer does not have the proper testing capabilities to do cold weather testing. They put my vehicle outdoors and allowed snow to fail and melt and it didnt have water come in, which was also above 36 degrees and on a flat parking lot. Dealer was not able to fix the problem and would not replace the headliner, even based on the video evidence I had of the water slooshing in the headliner and pouring out of the dome lights and onto the seats in all 3 rows. |
| Category | Fuel System, Gasoline |
| Date | Mar 13, 2023 |
| State | FL |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 gmc yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump control module needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would assist in expediting the replacement part. A case was opened with the manufacturer. The contact related the failure to nhtsa campaign number: 21v739000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the vin was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Feb 17, 2023 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Front grill is the vader chrome and it is peeling off, gm told me there is nothing that can be done and this is a well know issue and is all over the forms. This is due to poor manufacturing quality. A car this expensive should not be having these issues |
| Category | Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Feb 14, 2023 |
| State | MA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 gmc yukon xl denali. the contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into neutral (n). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a test drive was performed and the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal engine failure and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,204. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Jan 27, 2023 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | My vehicle lost power while driving on the highway. It was later determined that the fuel pump controller module required replacement. Losing power while driving 65 mph was not enjoyable or safe. The gmc dealer service department made the assessment, replaced the module, and the vehicle is now in my possession and functioning as normal. Once I was able to pull over there was a service light. One note... It appears that this safety recall n212332040, covers my issue. When searching the database with my vin, this recall did not come up, or was I ever contacted. I am submitting this to make sure that a broader search is performed for this defect. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Jan 17, 2023 |
| State | NV |
| Description | The vehicle has 22,000 miles on it and is under warranty. The airbag light indicating a malfunction stays on. The vehicle has been to the dealer 2 different times. The dealer indicates the factory(gmc) is working on the problem but has no solution at this time. Researching I have found this to be a problem for years not just the 2021 model. I have asked the questions: do my airbags still work in a collision? Can the airbags inflate by mistake? I'm a grandfather and have young children in the car. Are they safe? No one will give me a firm answer. Know what if I want to sell the vehicle? Can't do it? Someone needs to make gmc accountable. Peoples lives are at risk with this issue. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Nov 16, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Auto stalled in the middle of the road without any warning light causing life threatening incident auto only has 8000 miles |
| Category | Air Bags, Seats |
| Date | Nov 10, 2022 |
| State | KY |
| Description | Service safety restrain system message keeps appearing after taking to dealer a few times. It will go off and on intermittantly and not sure the airbags are actually functional. This seems to be a common issue based on an internet search across multiple gm products that does not have a known fix. Also, the driver seat shifts slightly when making turns. |
| Category | Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Nov 02, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Gm has consistently failed to deliver safe and reliable vehicles to the american public. I purchased a 2021 gmc yukon denali xl and the transmission needs to be replaced completely after the valve body was already replaced once. This issue proves to me that gm is not a reliable and trustworthy brand, with poor business ethics and a track record of having to be bailed out by our very own government for low quality vehicles. I am asking for the federal department to investigate thoroughly and recall all transmissions that could negatively impact american families. These vehicles are not affordable for the average household and the quality of workmanship does not match the price point. Please find attached a document from gm directly that covers all recalls and previous repairs done to my vehicle. I am now fighting to get my down payment refunded as well as the payments that I have made on my vehicle. |
| Category | Electrical System, Service Brakes |
| Date | Oct 29, 2022 |
| State | MI |
| Description | I own a 2021 gmc yukon denali that had total brake faliure last tuesday. I had it towed to a local gmc dealer and are repairing it under warranty. I was lucky to be on a back road when my brakes went out. I had no warning lights come on prior to hitting the brake pedal and was able to coast to a stop on the shoulder when I applied the brakes, the pedal went to the floor and did nothing. You can't stop the car with the parking brake because it is electric. My concern is what if I was on a busy road when this happened or what if this happens to a family in traffic they could be seriously hurt or worse yet killed. I do have good photos of my instrument panel with all of the warning lights coming on after I tried to stop. In good conscience feel that I have to at least try and report this to gm, the state and anyone else that will listen. If nothing comes of this at least I tried and just hope no one gets hurt if this happens again. My wife refuses to ride in that vehicle until I have solid answers. The dealer said they will have my car repaired this week and are replacing the master cylinder and ecs this is fine but why did it happen and how can I be sure it won't happen again? I believe in gm and have a 2023 yukon denali on order. I would hope that after 3 years of this model they have most of the little quirks worked out. A rep from gm did contact me and at first was talking about buying my car back but changed that today. My case number is 9-8497380349 . The problem is I have no idea when my new car is coming in our should I just cancel it and find something else. In my opinion this is a very serious problem. |
| Category | Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling |
| Date | Oct 27, 2022 |
| State | MI |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 gmc yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph and accelerating to approximately 40 mph, another vehicle suddenly pulled in front causing the contact to apply the brakes. While attempting to apply the brakes, the brake pedal went to the floor. The traction control, abs, ecf, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact then pulled over to the side of the road where the vehicle eventually coasted to a stop. The contact drove the vehicle slowly to the residence. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the brake master cylinder and ecf needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 24,000. |
| Category | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump, Power Train |
| Date | Oct 07, 2022 |
| State | AK |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 gmc yukon xl. The contact stated while stopped in traffic, the contact felt the vehicle shaking. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. After several attempts, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and shifted into neutral(n) to move the vehicle to the side of the roadway to safety. The contact stated that the vehicle was running rough before losing motive power and stalling. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and fuel pump was replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 15,658. |
| Category | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump:control/drive Module |
| Date | Oct 03, 2022 |
| State | LA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 gmc yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact had to press the accelerator a few times before the vehicle moved. Then after reversing out of a parking space then attempting to put the vehicle in drive and accelerate forward the vehicle stalled instead. The contact was unable to recall any warning lights. The vehicle was not able to go into neutral. The vehicle was towed to the dealership who diagnosed that the fuel pump module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 9,000. |
| Category | Air Bags, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings |
| Date | Sep 22, 2022 |
| State | TN |
| Description | I was involved in a vehicle accident on 10/6/2021 where my vehicle was stuck by an uninsured motorist driving recklessly on the interstate causing a total of 4 car collision. My vehicle was a a 2021 gmc yukon slt suv, in which I was struck on rear drivers side quarter panel and again by another vehicle in the front bumper by another vehicle that struck in the rear bumper by the reckless driver. With my vehicle being struck by two vehicles I was shocked to learn the onstar safety security features did not detect or contact me regarding the accident. It wasn't until the wrecker driver arrived to pull my vehicle onto the tow truck that I received a diagnosis notification email from o star about my antilock braking system. Although I was wearing my seat belt, the impact of the collision was very shocking, my chest and neck struck the steering wheel, my glasses were knocked completely off my face on to the passenger side floor board, my personal belongings in the passenger seat, were thrown and scattered over the passenger floor area. Once the emergency authorities were on the scene everything was about over I contacted onstar via phone, and asked why wasn't I contacted or my accident detected, and the call taker/on star representative advised me because my airbags wasn't deployed, they did not receive a notification or alert regarding my emergency. I have attempted to make contact with onstar several times since the accident and as of today I have yet to get an answer of why my air bags did deploy and why the emergency sensors did detect the impact notify emergency services as this is a feature that I was charged for monthly and added protection that I counted on to assist me but very much failed me at my time of need. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Sep 21, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | After pulling out from parking lot into roadway, steering wheel locked up (right) and vehicle proceeded uncontrolled into a telephone pole - injuring driver. Driver stage 1 & 2 together with seatbelt pretensioner deployed upon impact. No warning lamps or defect symptoms prior to time of failure. Inspection revealed dtc codes for power steering of u0420:00 (invalid data received from power steering module) and u3000:49 (control module internal malfunction). Scanner evidences power steering position sensor data not being reported. Vehicle vin indicates that it was included in nhtsa recall 21v455000. Power steering component part nos: 85103817, 848935231 and 85116776. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings |
| Date | Sep 17, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I had just left the house driving through my neighborhood at about 35 mph when for no reason the emergency braking engaged. The road was deserted, no other vehicles, pedestrians, dogs or objects in roadway. There was a momentary red dash alert, but I didn't have time to read it. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Sep 09, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Total engine failure. Cause unknown, driving on highway from family vacation. For 1-2 miles prior to incident car begins running rough, high rpms, engine pressure rising. Receive a warning on dash. 'engine shutting down. No prior warnings or issues in the vehicle life. Pull over' engine will not restart. Have to call two tow drivers, neither are able to get engine into neutral to tow. Second tow driver uses makeshift skids to pull car onto tow truck. Is towed to nearest gmc dealer. At next business day the car is inspected and prognosis is total engine failure. This was a 2021 just over a year old with 22,000 miles. Vehicle shut down every person in vehicle could have been injured if we had been unable to pull over to a safe location, were driving 70mph on highway. |
| Category | Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly |
| Date | Aug 29, 2022 |
| State | ND |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 gmc yukon xl. The contact stated while driving 68 mph, the panoramic sunroof exploded and shattered. The shattered pieces fell onto the shade guard. There were no injuries sustained. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would need to pay a repair fee as the part was not under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000. The vin was unavailable. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Aug 24, 2022 |
| State | MN |
| Description | Upon vehicle startup, dashboard displayed a warning about a problem with the power steering system. I attempted to drive the vehicle, and it appeared the power steering was not functioning. I did not believe I could safely handle the vehicle without the power steering functioning normally. I tried turning the car off briefly and then back on, which did not correct the problem. However, I then turned the car off for approximately 10 minutes. Upon restarting the car after being off for approximately 10 minutes, the error message was gone and the power steering functioned normally. |
| Category | Wheels |
| Date | Aug 18, 2022 |
| State | NC |
| Description | The oem tires, bridgestone alenza a/s 02 - size: 275/50r22 hydroplane and have very poor wet traction. Why traveling at low speeds , under 40mph in moderate rain, the vehicle will owe control. |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 02, 2022 |
| State | ND |
| Description | On a road trip out of state we stopped for gas. We got back on the road and few miles out the car suddenly slowed and gave a message on the screen something about acceleration. We pulled over and next the reverse didn't work. We stayed overnight then next day the reverse still did not work. We were able to place in drive and continue on but we don't have fully functioning reverse mode. |
| Category | Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Aug 01, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | While traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly and without warning lost power. All gauges remained in the normal range. After pulling on to the shoulder of a highway and turning the vehicle off, the vehicle would not start. After being towed the dealership, the vehicle would not power up. Dealership checked dtcs and found code p0016 crankshaft position sensor and intake/single camshaft position sensor correlation. Dealership inspected wiring for chaffing and tested camshaft position sensor circuitry and all found in normal condition. Dealership followed document id: 5646662 diagnostic procedure inspecting camshaft position sensor and camshaft actuator solenoid valve for incorrect installation or damage. While inspecting, dealership found internal engine bearing material in oil indicating internal mechanical failure. Dealership removed engine oil pan and #1 and #2 connecting rods and found bearings spun causing catastrophic engine failure. Crankshaft main bearing cap #3 also found discolored from extreme heat. Dealership then followed bulletin #22-na-074 for replacement of engine oil, cooler lines and engine oil cooler after connecting rod and main bearing damage the vehicle only had 17,067 miles. |
| Category | Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump:control/drive Module |
| Date | May 25, 2022 |
| State | IL |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 gmc yukon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling in a drive-thru, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle with no issues however, the next day the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as a power control module malfunction. The contact stated that the power control module was replaced under warranty. The contact stated that failure recurred several weeks later. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where the failure was unable to be replicated. The vehicle was test-driven at the dealer for about 50 miles and no repairs were completed. The contact stated that the failure recurred for the third time and was awaiting a tow to the dealer. The contact related the failure to nhtsa campaign number: 21v739000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the contact was unsure if the vehicle was included or had been previously repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact stated that he was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 5,400. |
| Category | Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking, Electrical System, Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection |
| Date | Apr 24, 2022 |
| State | WA |
| Description | The vehicle had a total failure of its rear safety package which includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors and rear safety alert. The warning illuminated on the dash that all of these functions were offline and service was needed. We took the yukon to a gm dealer and they replaced a computer and had a hard time getting it to program. This failure also affected the hvac system in the car, with the fan staying on high. After 23 days of service, the dealer thought they fixed it. After two weeks of having the vehicle back the same alert came on 5-6 times in the same day, with another safety package failure. Now the alert doesn't come on but none of those safety features work, they are all offline. It is bad enough driving a 20' long vehicle without the safety package working, but now it is worse in that the car doesn't alert you to the fact it isn't working and you might not remember that it is defective. This could cause a collision on the highway or result in the driver backing into something or someone, relying on this technology. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Apr 23, 2022 |
| State | LA |
| Description | We have a 2021 yukon denali. It has just over 12,000 miles on it. My wife called me in a frenzy today saying the motor was making a poping noise and it was pulling her on the interstate. She was very concered, but managed to make it home from her 15 mile exit. When she got home, it was evident that the lifters are to blame for this incident. Gmc needs to recall all these 2021 gmc yukons with all these lifter problems. Very unsafe. We plan on getting rid of the vehicle. |
| Category | Engine, Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection, Suspension |
| Date | Mar 22, 2022 |
| State | OH |
| Description | My blind spot warning light and signal doesnt work all the time. For example, if a pass a car, or a car passes me at a speed of more than 5 miles per hour, there is no notification from the blind spot warning light in the mirror, or an audalble signale either. I have taken the car to the gmc dealership 3 times and I was told that is normal, and nothing is wrong. I own other gmc models and I have never experianced this intermitant issue. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking |
| Date | Feb 01, 2022 |
| State | OH |
| Description | On wednesday, january 12, 2022, while driving from columbia, sc to cincinnati, we were heading northwest through the mountains of north carolina, on I-40, just east of the tn border. Traffic was fairly steady and heavy, so we were traveling at approximately 45 mph, in the right lane, winding through the mountains. Our friend, ** ***** was driving, my wife, ********* *****, was sitting in the right front passenger seat, working on her laptop, and I was sitting immediately behind her, also working on my laptop. With a semi-trailer truck slowing ahead of us, *** signaled to make a lane change into the left lane (this is only a two lane highway). As we were transitioning to the left lane, the vehicle suddenly – without any warning or driver inputs – slammed on its brakes, bringing the truck to a sudden and violent stop. Given the violent halting of the truck, we all assumed we had been rear-ended by a truck. The braking was so serious, luggage from the rear of the vehicle shot forward like a missile, striking my wife in the back of the head. She suffered what we believe to be a concussion, and she did seek medical attention in the days following the incident. Sitting behind her, the sudden stopping action caused me to twist my left knee, resulting in what might be a cartilage tear. I also saw my physician in the days following, and he acknowledged the swelling of the left knee. He advised me to monitor the knee carefully, and if the pain persists, to get an mri. The pain has not gone away, and I plan to get an mri in the next week or so. Our friend suffered a severely strained back in the incident, and has been treating his back with both ice and heat therapy. This was the third time this happened, each nearly resulting in a tragic accident. The dealer said "it's just a software glitch." the "brake assist" program is clearly defective and unsafe. |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Jan 11, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | I was traveling on the highway and the vehicle started to jolt, sputter and speed acceleration was reduced in a highly congested area with little room to maneuver. I had to quickly shift lanes and get off at the first exit I could as I figure out what the issue was. I immediately contacted my dealership and they were able to get me an emergency appointment so my vehicle could be inspected that day. After the dealers analysis they said that a lifter needed to be replaced. I have a brand new vehicle with less than 8,611 miles on it. The lifter issue puzzled me so I went to the gmc yukon message and sure enough there are alot of 2021 yukon/tahoe owners that have had this exact same issue with even worse stories than mine. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Dec 15, 2021 |
| State | GA |
| Description | I was driving 30 mph when the car went into neutral and rolled to a stop. When I put on the brakes the engine shut off and it went into park. It would not restart or shift out of park . I was stuck in an active busy road. The car was towed to the dealer. They said it was a problem with the bcm. Gmc had put out a bullletin which was to reprogram the bcm. My concern is that if this had happened on a busy interstate in traffic at highway speeds the results could have been fatal. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Oct 25, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | On friday october 22, 2021 around 7:20am as I was driving my children to school I was driving around 40 mph when suddenly I received an alert on the dashboard saying “brake system failâ€, I then proceeded to brake to make sure my breaks were working when I noticed they did not work. I then started pumping the gas pedal repeatedly to make the vehicle stop. My car was not stopping and my children and I panicked and started crying. As I was getting closer to a vehicle and ready to crash I swerved the vehicle to the right where it was just an empty lot. I continue to press and pump the brakes until the vehicle came to a complete stop. I took pictures of the dash board once the vehicle was completely off. My vehicle was towed to my house shortly after. I refuse to drive that vehicle after the terrible experience that jeopardize the life of my children and myself. We have suffered emotional distress. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Oct 12, 2021 |
| State | TN |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 gmc yukon. The contact stated while stopped on the highway a crown victoria crashed into the rear driver's quarter panel and a honda civic crashed into the front bumper of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There was a police report filed. There was no reported fire. The contact sustained pain and medical attention was provided. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000. The contact stated there was visible damage to the rear axle and fuel tank. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Oct 04, 2021 |
| State | VA |
| Description | Engine failed on my new vehicle. Gm is aware of faulty lifters produced over roughly a 3 month period. My vehicle has been confirmed to have those faulty batch lifters. At this time gm is only replacing lifters on the side of the engine that failed. The local dealership is having 2-3 of these come into the service shop per day. This is a major problem and I am being told it could be 2 months before I get my vehicle back. When I get the vehicle back I want it fixed properly and safe to drive. I don't want my family broken down on the side of the road due to gm knowingly not replacing a faulty product let alone the inconvenience of not having the vehicle again for repairs. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Sep 29, 2021 |
| State | MI |
| Description | A/c system draining into drivers side floor area. Water from the a/c system is not draining properly and causing water to collect under the carpet on drivers side, leading to mold, bacteria and potentially harmful to people with respiratory issues. After researching various internet forums, this seems to be a common issue in 2021 yukon and tahoes. The dealership will be investigating the issue tomorrow. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Sep 09, 2021 |
| State | AL |
| Description | Gmc yukon denali suv 2021, push rods and lifters in motor are bad, this could have cause an accident due to suv stopping in traffic or on the highway. Please help with this safety issue. The gmc denali suv 2021 only has 7000 miles on it, it new. I thank you in advance for you support. Regards george l patterson |
| Category | Air Bags, Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Steering Assist |
| Date | Aug 23, 2021 |
| State | UT |
| Description | the contact rented a 2021 gmc yukon. The contact was driving at 75mph, the contact stated they felt the steering wheel was moving independently causing the vehicle to veer in the opposite direction. Both hands were required in order to control the steering wheel. The contact attempted to avoid a large puddle, the vehicle independently veered to the right causing a crash with a curb and crossed an exit ramp which caused the vehicle to crash then into an embankment and into a ditch. This caused damage to the front passenger side tire of the vehicle. The side air bags did deploy but not the front driver or passenger side airbag did not deploy. No warning lights illuminated from the vehicle. The medical treatment was at the scene in which they checked the contact father in- law and their baby and took them to the hospital by ambulance with the contact's wife who was also in the vehicle. The contact also sustained a cut from the airbag being deployed, the contact wife also had bruises to their upper chest and leg, the contact father-in-law was also injured with his upper body and also a small rash on their face when the side airbag was deployed, as well the contact mother-in-law has complained of a headache. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an impound lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 16,000. |
| Category | Tires |
| Date | Aug 02, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The contact owns a 2012 gmc yukon equipped with cooper tires, tire line: discoverer htp, tire size: 275/55/r20, dot number: not available. The contact stated that while inspecting the tires, the rear driver's and passenger's side tires had visible bulges. The tires were not replaced. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer but was not able to reach a live representative. The failure mileage was 116,224. The vin was not available. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Jul 09, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Make left turn and distracted by kids in the back. Looked back and felt a crash. Collided with a traffic signal pole and caused major/total damage to vehicle. Driver side airbag did not deploy causing injury to neck, shoulder, and lower back. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Jul 05, 2021 |
| State | MD |
| Description | Once again, the car has been repaired under the recall for the airbags, but once again the cars lights have turned on to state service safety restraint system. I am unable to trust the airbags will deploy with the system being that this issue has been appearing multiple times and reappeared after the recall was complete. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jun 24, 2021 |
| State | AR |
| Description | Our vehicle had a warning light of traction system not working - we were told to take to nearest dealer that springs with the valves were faulty and lifters not working. Took it to everett in benton, ar. Took two weeks to get the parts to fix. Told this was a problem. We had 4000 miles on the vehicle. Yesterday, it happened again. Told by cowboy in heber springs, ar where we bought the vehicle they had six in their shop with same problem. They advised that our vehicle would have to be towed. Gmc does not think it is a safety issue but it is - the vehicle slows down and there is little power to drive. Yesterday I was pulling a bass boat and only made it home with great difficulty. This problem that seems to be prevalent with all the 2021 denalis needs to be investigated before someone gets hurt or killed. First incident was may 2, 2021 and second (after allegedly being fixed) was june 23, 2021. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Avoidance: Dynamic Brake Support/brake Assist |
| Date | Jun 24, 2021 |
| State | UT |
| Description | This new 2021 gmc yukon denali we purchased on june 2, 2021 has a very sophisticated controls system that includes a feature, entitled "brake assist," that is designed to detect "rapid brake pedal applications due to emergency braking situations and provides additional braking to activate the antilock brake system (abs) if the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough to activate abs normally." "brake assist disengages when the brake pedal is released." after I left the dealership (june 2nd), I noticed that the "service brake assist" light had illuminated on the driver information center (dic). I pulled off the road to check the owner's manual, and then continued home trusting that no immediate hazard existed. I subsequently set up an appointment with the dealership for a checkup. A week later, the dealership downloaded a new software package from gmc. The brake assist light did not appear when the engine started, so I left for home (50-minute drive at moderate speeds). Enroute to my home, I stopped at a store and turned the engine off. Started home a few minutes later. While accelerating past 45 mph, the brake system independently engaged, which threw me against the steering wheel and into the windshield. As the suv decelerated through 20 mph, the brakes automatically released. I was not hurt, nor did I lose angular control of the vehicle. I completed my drive home and parked the yukon normally. Did not drive it again until returning to the dealership a few days later. This second visit did not bear fruit. After significant explorative work, the lead mechanic drove the vehicle several miles under a multitude of conditions, but could not duplicate the problem or get the light on the dic to extinguish. At my request, the dealership returned possession to me with the light still illuminated. I have driven the vehicle several miles since then with the "service brake assist" light still illuminated. I suspect this is a gmc software problem. |
| Category | Power Train, Steering |
| Date | May 25, 2021 |
| State | NV |
| Description | Hello, I am a repair technician for a general motors dealership in reno nv. Vehicle in question has no ability to to placed in neutral without the engine running. Per gm repair guides the vehicle must either be placed in neutral with engine running or a special tool is needed to placed trans into neutral in to move vehicle. This is a major safety concern as vehicle became engine became disabled and the vehicle could not be moved. Steering is locked, parking brake automatically sets and neutral position on gear selector cannot be selected. This happened at our dealership. But I can only imagine this happening to someone on the highway. Stuck blocking the road with no ability to move the vehicle to safety. I feel this is extremely dangerous and I am sending an email to general motors technical assistance also. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | May 09, 2021 |
| State | AL |
| Description | Driving down an interstate on a clear sunny day 70 degrees. There were no vehicles nearby or an overpass. It was me, my husband and our dog in the vehicle. Out of nowhere we heard a large bang and I noticed the sunroof was shattered. It took all my husband all he could to from wrecking. Thankfully I thought to close the sunroof shade so more glass wouldn't land in the vehicle. There were shards 9f glass everywhere. We purchase our 2021 yukon 3 months ago. So we were in a new vehicle with approximately 5k miles. Very scary and I was still shaking once we were able to exit the interstate. The safety guidelines for panoramic sunroof need to be updated! I had no idea this was an issue. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | May 03, 2021 |
| State | GA |
| Description | The vehicle was stationary and upon turning it on a message showed up on the display stating to immediately take the vehicle for service and to drive carefully because of a power steering issue. Once the vehicle was placed in reverse to begin to leave the parking spot, it was evident that there was no steering available on the vehicle. It would only move forward and backwards but the steering wheel would not move in any direction at any degree making the vehicle impossible to drive safely or carefully to any location. Attempting to drive the vehicle for service would have caused an accident and ultimately was impossible so we decided to have the vehicle towed. The dealership service department informed us that this was a problem with the system/software and that the vehicle had many more history codes for this issue. After informing us that the update for the steering system was completed, they also said it may not be the fix based on the multiple history codes. The car is still being inspected as they are unable to be sure the cause or that it will not occur again. Records of service can be provided once the vehicle is returned to us and messages of communication with the service department can also be provided upon request. |
| Category | Electrical System, Service Brakes, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Apr 04, 2021 |
| State | NE |
| Description | Travelling down the highway 69 mph with my wife and three small children when the dash flashed multiple error codes, engine speed limited to 62 mph, and brakes essentially went out. Was able to get safely stopped. Contacted dealership and they advised shutting it off for 20 min and it would "reset". It did not reset and we refused to drive it in such unsafe circumstances without adequate brake function etc. Gmc roadside assistance came and towed it away. Could have resulted in much worse outcomes and we are thankful no one was injured. Very nervous to drive it again after we get it back, not knowing if it will malfunction again. |
| Category | Suspension |
| Date | Apr 01, 2021 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Vehicle has been at the dealer with gm involvement starting january 6th and it has been out of the repair facility for less than 2 weeks up to today, 4/1/2021. The vehicle has an adaptive suspension system that has not only failed, but has continued to fail after multiple repair attempts. There seems to be an issue with this new adaptive suspension, specifically when the 'vehicle access' option is toggled in the settings. This has caused multiple safety warnings; 'vehicle too high, drive slowly vehicle unsafe' and 'vehicle too low, drive slowly, vehicle unsafe'. Dealer and gm have replaces millie parts, software and sensors, to no avail. The major concern is that most owners don't realize the risk and this is a flaw in the design which could lead to accidents. My vehicle had to be towed in at the last resurgence because it was not in as state to be driven. The suspension collapsed after having 35 days in the shop. It seems that the software and the system aren't properly functioning/designed. This could be endemic in every denali, or other gm vehicle with this system, that enables the automotive access (vehicle lowers when in park). This issue occurred while parked and while driving, both locally and highway. The scariest was when I was driving to the dealer and the suspension started bouncing causing me to go no more than 40mph on the interstate to the dealer. |
| Category | Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Service Brakes |
| Date | Mar 12, 2021 |
| State | NC |
| Description | Driving approx. 62 mph on a highway, went to slow down and unable to brake, upon pushing down on the break there was resistance, after pumping the breaks multiple times I was eventually able to slow down with a lot of force. Messages on dashboard read "brake system failure" "62 max speed esc, service esc, service trailer break system, and forward collision system unavailable." abs, esc and check engine light all illuminated on dash screen. |
| Category | Back Over Prevention: Warnings, Seats, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Feb 28, 2021 |
| State | FL |
| Description | The vechile is park at carl black gmc |
| Category | Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection, Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jan 31, 2021 |
| State | NC |
| Description | I've owned over a dozen gm trucks over the last 20+ years and this model is the worst ever! My complaint: gm took away the turn signal lights on the side mirrors. The turn signal indicators on the dash are too small and located with many other lights/indicators, so they cannot be seen quickly nor 'easily' and can't be heard under normal traffic conditions. This creates an incredibly dangerous situation with driver distraction trying to see if a turn signal has been activated and increases the risk of vehicles next to the truck not expecting a lane change if they are ahead of the tail lights. Numerous times over the past few weeks I've owned this vehicle, I've almost run into adjacent vehicles I couldn't 'see' because the blind spot warning system does not detect vehicles well enough to avoid turning into them and also because I was distracted trying to see the turn indicator on the dashboard, ook into the side mirrors and watch my distance to cars in front of me. The turn signal indicators on the mirrors on the prior model significantly reduced driver distractions and increased safety to the driver, passengers and adjacent vehicles. Gm must be held accountable for removing safety features! They must be forced to replace the mirrors with ones that have turn signal indicators in them like on prior model years. If it's not a safety issue, why did they have the indicators in the mirrors before?? Removing the mirror signal lights was obviously a sick way for gm to save a few dollars with intended disregard for the safety of it's owners, passengers and everyone else on the road. These problems exist when the vehicle is stopped (blind spot issues), turning, changing lanes and moving on every type of roadway, but especially at highway speeds where hundreds of feet are traveled in only a few seconds, and distractions become even more unsafe and dangerous to everyone. |
| Category | Service Brakes, Steering |
| Date | Jan 31, 2021 |
| State | NC |
| Description | Gm changed the travel of the steering column so now it's only a few inches from the dashboard. In prior models, the steering wheel (sw) travel was much more. Due to gm's desire to save money and complete disregard for driver, passenger and other vehicles safety, the driver has to reach out to the sw resulting at dangerous elbow angles. In performance cars, the sw is designed to be close to the driver because physics principles of torque reveal: the greater the angle of reach, the more torque it requires to turn the sw. So reaching out with the elbow at zero to 10 degrees requires a much longer reach, thus greater force/torque and longer reaction time, than having the sw at a 30-40 degree 'elbow bend'. The point is, for a driver to turn the sw on this vehicle, it takes too much strength and too long a reaction time to safely operate it. I do not feel safe driving this model like I did with prior model years. With this 'land yacht' having an even longer wheelbase than before, the distance to the sw is even more critical in regards to reaction time and safe driving! Plus, since the sw is so close to the dashboard, when I raise my leg to step on the brake pedal (which now I have to do because gm also took away the foot pedal adjuster!), my leg hits the bottom of the sw! The time it now takes to bring a foot up over the brake pedal, to look down to see if your leg is going to hit the sw and cause the sw to either stop moving or re-direct the vehicle into an unplanned direction, all while trying to stop this over 7,700 lb vehicle with mushier brakes than any model ever, is dangerously long. The overall reaction time to generally stop this model is at least 5 times that of my 2018 yukon xl denali. The travel length of the sw needs to be increased 2-3 inches to safely operate this truck. Gm must be held accountable for increasing dangerous situations with their vehicles! |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Dec 12, 2020 |
| State | MI |
| Description | Vehicle will not shift into gear from park. When it's in gear (you can hold the button to select a gear to move), but as soon as you release the button - it goes right back into park. It comes and goes. I've been stuck in my driveway. Stuck at the grocery store. Had it once surprise me at a stoplight and was almost rear ended - that time I needed to hold the button to escape to the nearest parking lot. Dealer, of course, was not able to replicate as they said the issue does not throw a code. I have video and pictures, which I have supplied. Sometimes the engine light comes on too. Dealership did say there were some service notes in the system regarding a similar problem, but that gm has yet to issue a tsb. I'm honestly worried this will cause a major accident and I don't trust having my family in the car. It's an ,000 suv. Unreal and so disappointing. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Suspension |
| Date | Dec 06, 2020 |
| State | CO |
| Description | We were coming back from a trip with my children and this vehicle was barely 2 weeks old with 0 miles and we were on a highway when all the emergency lights on the dash went off. It was flagging the electrical system, the engine, the brakes. Honestly all the lights possible went off. The vehicle was lagging and it felt force when we pushed on the gas. Our hands were gripping the steering wheel to keep it in lane till we could get off. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Nov 02, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | With only 52 miles (2-days old), I was driving home when I heard a knock. Then the engine light came on and the vehicle stability control lowered the vehicle and the vehicle shut off. I was left in the middle of traffic unable to move the vehicle to a safe location. Neutral would not work either. When the vehicle was towed to the gmc dealership, they knew exactly what was wrong with the car, broken springs in the engine. Apparently they sent a notice stating that the engine springs were breaking and needed to be replaced. The dealership only offered to replace the 2 broken springs, not all of them since my vehicle was built after the date noted for having issues. They would not provide me with any paperwork about the service. I'm not sure how this company can get away with selling vehicles they know have issues with faulty parts. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Oct 01, 2020 |
| State | MD |
| Description | I received the car on 9/8/2020, I started noticed a error message on 19sep2020, that stated service safety restraint system with the airbag warning light coming on. This light comes on and off so there is no way to tell for sure if the airbag is working appropriately. The message comes on both if you are in motion or stationary. |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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